by Renee Cox

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

You don't need to call the doctor for drugs when you are coming down with influenza. There are creative ways to aggressively prevent the flu as well as to shorten its duration if you're already feeling its hold.
Up to three times a day, take in some green tea. As a free radical scavenger, it can help with other potential or real problems at the same time, e.g. lowering cholesterol. The antibacterial action of green tea goes a long way as well. Herbal teas are helpful too.

Try a couple of mushroom complexes, such as MGM3 and IP6, three times a day also. They increase the activity of killer cells. MGM3 has helped people with chronic fatigue, and who isn't fatigued with the flu?
Don't forget your sea vegetables (sounds much nicer than "seaweed"). Try some kelp and sea cucumber a couple of times a day. They'll make your joints feel better too.
Holistic is a great way to go. Want to be really creative, or shall we say preventive? Have all the mercury fillings in your teeth removed. This and other heavy metals eliminate any benefits from selenium, which is needed to neutralize the effects of damaging free radicals.
Use aromatherapy with lavender and rosemary. Other things you can take: remember the benefits of Vitamin C cannot be underestimated; try DMG, quercetin (unpeeled apples are a great source), and L-arginine with MSM.
Lots of people today have become hooked on juicing. The most beneficial juices for colds and flu are garlic, onion, ginger and aloe vera. Stay away from simple sugars. Other healthful juices are blueberry, cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, but be sure to throw in some Vitamin C with the fruits.
Another key to remember-colon cleansing. The best in our experience consists of a half tablespoon of wheat/barley greens, half a medium lemon, two tablespoons of pure maple syrup (the real thing, not the cheap stuff), and a dash of cayenne pepper. You can't get too much of this combination.
Last but definitely not least, never let yourself become dehydrated. Drink that juice and plenty of purified water as well!

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